The Martian

Jamie and I disagree about which of us recommended The Martian to the other but we both agree that we thoroughly enjoyed the book, as did James. When I read it I felt that it was crying out to be made into a film, and so it has been.

Last night James, Ally and I went to see it at Coatbridge Showcase Cinema, one of our old haunts when the boys were wee. In those days it was quite novel, one of the first of the new, out-of-town cinema complexes, of which there are now many. It's a while since we have been there and I was gratified to see that it is still smart and well maintained, with a coffee bar where I got an excellent Americano to sustain me through the film. Despite having read the book, I was on the edge of my seat during the action scenes, which were well done. Matt Damon is not my favourite actor, but he is very good in this film and did justice to the part.